Yunnan Silver Needle

My order of 2010 Yunnan Siver Needle finally arrived and like the one of the last 2 years it is a wonderful fine tea. Just by the looks, one silver bud like the other, nothing broken or dusty. It seems this harvet has some more punch. I made 8 infusions in a 120 ml teapot (total of about 750 ml of water) and might have gotten even more since the last one was still strong, however, there is only so much water I can take-in. The tea is sold as green tea. I strongly believe it is a white tea from all I have read. The leftovers in the cup and transfer cup turned dark from oxidation. The tea seems to be quite flexible as to steeping time and water temperature, there was never even a hint of anything bitter.

After I found that this tea is very tolerant as to steeping time and water temperature I changed now my infusion and steeping as follows:Put about 2 g of leaves into a teapot with a metal strainer. Add 350 ml of near boiling water. Let steep for 2 minutes. Pour about 80 ml of tea into the tea bowl. Repeat till tea is finished. Subsequent fillings are not timed anymore and it might take 20 or more minutes to finish the tea. Each pouring becoming stronger yet never bitter.

My tea bowl holds 200 ml if filled to the rim or drinkable 150 ml. It is of very thin porcelain and cone shaped. I love it, it disperses the tea aroma so well. My nightcap pu-erh taste best from this bowl. I found it once in an odd store and have never seen such a cup/bowl offered on the Internet.

Have some in my cup right now. Pale straw color, wonderful mouth feel, invigorating yet relaxing. I put the used needles in a cup of cold water in the work refrigerator and covered it to enjoy tomorrow.